Author: TeachThought Staff

The concept of teaching creativity has been around for quite some time. See also What Is Divergent Thinking? Much of the blame for a lack of creativity, and therefore innovation, can be traced to our traditional educational systems. It relies on teaching to the correct answer.  An innovative thinking model is needed. Most of the practice of creative methods is being done outside the traditional educational institutions by consulting firms and by persons in companies who have been trained in creative problem solving methods. In universities not much has changed since 1950, when the distinguished psychologist J. P. Guilford in…

1. Master the Search Bar: Your Time-Saving Powerhouse Don’t waste time scrolling through endless files. Google Drive’s search bar is surprisingly intelligent. Use keywords, file types (e.g., “presentation,” “essay,” “PDF”), dates, or even specific phrases within documents to pinpoint what you need instantly. You can also use advanced search operators (click the three lines next to the search bar) to refine your results further. 2. Organize Like a Pro with Folders and Color-Coding Create a logical folder structure for each semester, course, or project. Go a step further by color-coding your folders to visually prioritize or differentiate them. Right-click on…

by TeachThought Staff Creativity is often associated with elementary students who are encouraged to draw or color to self-express. According to a study published in the Thinking Skills and Creativity journal, students who regularly engage in creative tasks show statistically significant gains in problem-solving and reflective judgment (Beghetto & Kaufman, 2014). In other words, fostering creativity is not just about making school more fun—it cultivates the very thinking habits that support students as they grow. See also The Best Quotes About Creativity What is Creativity? Creativity in education is essential for nurturing the human capacity for innovation and original thought.…

In a world full of stimuli, sensory rooms are becoming an essential tool for schools looking to better support students with sensory sensitivities, autism, ADHD and anxiety. These thoughtfully designed spaces offer a calming refuge, helping students regulate their emotions, focus better in class and engage with learning on their terms.  For educators and school decision-makers, outfitting a sensory room isn’t as simple as tossing beanbags in a quiet corner. From tactile walls and fidget tools to bubble tubes, swings and calming lighting, every element must be purposeful and inclusive. Here’s where to find high-quality tools and technologies and how…

by TeachThought Staff Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space (University of Arizona) Comprehensive introduction to the universe, from planets to galaxies. Covers fundamental concepts of modern astronomy, space exploration, and the tools astronomers use to study cosmic phenomena. Learning How to Learn (McMaster University, UCSD) Teaches powerful mental tools and techniques based on neuroscience for mastering tough subjects. Students learn about memory techniques, dealing with procrastination, and research-backed study methods. The Science of Well-Being (Yale University) Based on psychology research about what makes humans truly happy and how to build better habits. Challenges misconceptions about happiness while providing practical strategies for…

The Foundational 4 Cs of Critical Thinking in K-12 Education by TeachThought Staff What Are The 4 Cs of Critical Thinking? Critical thinking, as a concept and practice, can be framed in various ways. It can be seen, for example, through its function as a social construct, its relationship with literacy, its necessity in political elections, and so on. One of the more popular ways it is seen is in the 4 Cs. Critical Thinking, Communication. Collaboration, and Creativity. Critical Thinking: The suspension of judgment while identifying biases and underlying assumptions in order to draw accurate conclusions Key traits: evidence,…

by TeachThought Staff We’ve looked at icebreakers for kids–elementary school students, for example. How about another of an easy to use, fun, and fairly quick/zero-prep team-building game? One that can be used with a wide range of ages from elementary to adult? If so, ‘Count To Ten’ might just fit the bill. How To Win At ‘Count To Ten’ Basically, the last player standing wins. How? The idea for the students is to count strategically to keep from saying ‘ten.’ The best part of this activity is that it can give some students who may not be the ‘best’ at…

by TeachThought Staff Today’s product Pick Of The Day is a childhood classic on almost every self-respected reading list in the United States (and many beyond): Charlotte’s Web book by E.B. White. The following links are affiliate links–which have zero to do with recommending Charlotte’s Web or any other book or product we offer but it does dictate the websites we link from. You can read more about our Affiliate Policy here. Charlotte’s Web Plot Summary via Wikipedia After a little girl named Fern Arable pleads for the life of the runt of a litter of piglets, one spring morning, her father gives…

Teaching Strategies For Maslow’s Hierarchy Of Needs by TeachThought Staff Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, developed by psychologist Abraham Maslow in 1943, is a foundational theory in psychology that describes the stages of human needs as a pyramid, with the most basic needs at the bottom and more advanced needs at the top. Individuals must satisfy lower-level needs before they can adequately focus on higher-level ones. Let’s synthesize the information about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs for your K-12 educator audience, incorporating the research citations you requested. Understanding and Applying Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in the K-12 Classroom Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs,…

Let’s face it. Everyone wants to learn faster. Whether you’re working with a maths tutor in Brisbane or studying on your own, your learning style matters. Many students rely on math tutors or English tutors to speed things up, but sometimes what holds them back isn’t effort — it’s misinformation. Learning myths are everywhere. And the worst part? Most sound like good advice. Let’s clear the air. Here are five common myths that slow you down — and the simple truths that can set you free. Myth #1: You’re Either Smart or You’re Not This one’s a confidence killer. The…